Today I got started on final assembly of the left flap. I started by scuffing, cleaning and priming the inboard side of the web of the inboard end rib, where the FL-706B reinforcement plate rivets on. I also scuffed, cleaned, and primed the FL-708 shims for the left flap; and cleaned and re-primed the top flange of the main spar that I'd sanded due a run in the primer.
After letting the primer cure for a couple of hours, I dimpled the skeleton parts and the skins. I started final assembly by riveting the FL-705 interior ribs to the FL-702 lower skin, including the shims at the ends of the middle two ribs. See photo 2 for the riveting setup. I also riveted the FL-706A reinforcement to the main spar, and riveted the FL-706B reinforcement to the inboard end rib.
I then clecoed the rest of the flap together in the following order, in an effort to ensure the flap ends up flat and square: 1) Clecoed the FL-703 main spar to the FL-702 bottom skin; 2) Inserted the bottom skin/interior ribs/main spar assembly into the FL-701 top skin, and clecoed the bottom row of rivet holes where the top and bottom skin overlap; 3) Clecoed the top skin to the interior ribs; 4) Clecoed the top skin to the main spar; 5) Inserted and clecoed the end ribs and FL-708 shims.
Rivets Today: 38 Rivets Total: 6780
Dimpling the bottom row of rivet holes in the top skin.
Dimpling the top flange of the main spar.
Left flap ready to rivet after removing the main spar for access.
